John's throat felt dry as he opened his tired eyes. He was surprised to find himself in his bedroom, lying in bed with the duvet tucked up to his chin. A dull ache settled in his stomach as he found himself alone, but then he smelled it. Lin's scent lingered in the apartment, and he could hear movement further down the hall. He could also smell cooking. The last thing he noticed was the familiar weight on his stomach. Looking down, he found the ebony cat from the park sleeping peacefully, curled in a ball, tail flicking lazily from side to side.

"You're awake," Lin greeted softly as he appeared in the open doorway. His shirt sleeves were rolled up and his tie was noticeably absent, leaving the dip in his collarbone on display. John gave a small nod, but didn't move. He felt too worn, and the weight of the cat on his stomach was nice. If he moved, the cat would move. Lin padded over and stroked his forehead soothingly, combing through his fluffy hair. "I was worried," he confessed as he knelt beside the bed.

"It...it was Gene..." Lin's eyes widened in surprise. As far as he knew, John wasn't a medium. It was extremely rare for normal people to communicate with the dead in such a manner. "...Spoke to him. I'm going to help..." Lin wondered if it was the remnants of drowsiness speaking as John's blue eyes fluttered, long eyelashes caressing his plump cheeks. He decided to remain silent. Much as he wanted to find Gene, he was far more concerned with John's state of health. His skin wasn't so pale now, and he seemed much calmer.

"Take care of yourself for now...You scared me," he replied gently as he caressed his cheek, watching him smile softly as he looked up. Lin softened in return, rubbing his thumb in small circles on his cheek. His skin was soft, though slightly clammy from the humid heat outside. He'd turned on the air conditioner upon arriving. Getting the door open while carrying John and his shopping had been a slight challenge, and he'd foregone polite tradition and kept his shoes on to carry him through to the bed. He'd been sleeping for over an hour by that point. The black cat had followed them back, and Lin hadn't seen the need to chase him off. He meant no harm, and even seemed genuinely concerned for John's welfare. He'd padded anxiously at his side, looking up the whole time. As soon as he'd set John on the bed, the cat had hopped up to claim the space on his stomach, gentle purrs humming through his small body.

"I scared myself too," John confessed as he leaned into the gentle touch. He'd never felt anything like it and hoped he never would again. He couldn't help shivering at the memory of the cold and absolute terror. "Thank you for the Shiki...It kept me safe." He could still feel the warmth floating close by. Usually he didn't notice Lin's Shiki at all, but now that one had been assigned to him, he was aware of it circling the bed. It was like a warm, static presence that occasionally brushed his skin as if checking on him. Lin's expression softened as he leaned down, pressing their lips in a chaste kiss. He was surprised as John parted his lips in invitation, a small sound escaping as Lin gave in and deepened the kiss to something more sensual. They were interrupted by a small meow and parted with an amused huff.

"Alright, I haven't forgotten," Lin replied as he drew back to find two big yellow eyes staring up at them. The cat continued to stare until Lin sat up and gave him attention. John watched, feeling content, as Lin stroked a hand down the black cat's small spine, feeling ribs and bones all the way down. The small cat got to his feet to arch into the touch before padding up a little higher to John's chest, where he could easily reach up to stroke him. "I think I saw a tin of tuna in the cupboard," Lin mused as he padded into the kitchen.

"Do you think anyone will miss him?" John asked as he scratched the cat's chin. He smiled as the cat's pointed ears lowered and his eyes thinned, pushing down on his fingers in a silent request to scratch harder. He was purring like a motor, which did a lot for John's shot nerves. It felt like his body would take a while to recover from the experience. He didn't know how Mai and Masako managed. He was exhausted.

"They weren't good owners if he has any...He's skin and bone underneath that fur." John smiled softly as the cat looked up at him, yellow eyes hazy in contentment as he greedily accepted each tickling touch. "I might have left him behind, but...he followed me all the way here." Lin returned carrying a small saucer with a few chunks of processed fish broken up into easy to eat chunks. John chuckled as he felt the cat purr and raise his head as if smelling. The tuna had certainly piqued his interest.

"I don't know how my landlord will feel about me keeping him though..." He'd already made the middle-aged man spend a lot of money converting his bedroom into a heat room. He'd been happy to do it, though John felt guilty knowing he hadn't actually made use of it since he'd presented. A cat would probably be pushing his luck. Most landlords weren't thrilled about letting pets in their homes with all the shedding fur and possible damage to their furnishings. It's not like I can compromise and offer to pay more rent either...The church paid his rent, and he'd never ask them to pay more for him.

"Who said you'll be keeping him?" Lin retorted as he put the plate on the edge of the bed. John watched indignantly as the cat hopped down from his chest and approached the saucer. Lin stroked his fur gently as the cat bent over the small plate and attacked the dry chunks. He almost seemed smug as he teased the black fur, almost laughing as the cat loudly licked and chewed the meat.

"Bribing him with food is cheating!" John complained as he sat up against the headboard. Lin chuckled as he leaned across and tugged the pillows higher, forming a comfortable rest behind his small spine. John sighed as he leaned back, feet twitching at the attention. Lin didn't even think about it as he ran his fingers through his hair again and took in his content expression.

"It wouldn't be a problem if we lived together." That took John off-guard. His eyes widened as a pink flush lit his cheeks. He suddenly felt nervous. It wasn't that the subject was completely unexpected. They were mated. Fully mated. Their mutual mating marks made them long for each other when they were apart. It still feels...Is it too soon? "You don't have to answer now," Lin added gently as he noticed his apprehension. He felt a little uncertain himself. He hadn't planned on bringing it up, but seeing John sitting there, it had just slipped out.

"Mm..." John felt strangely guilty about his lacklustre answer. Does that make it seem like I'm rejecting him? I'm not! I'm really not! Lin's expression softened as he leaned down and kissed his forehead. He lingered as he felt the pleasure curl in John's stomach, nuzzling his temple and butting his head.

"Your thoughts are deafening sometimes." John's cheeks flush red with a gentle smile. "But I'm taking Sebastian with me." Both John and the cat looked up with their heads tilted at the name. John looked at the cat, who looked up at him in return, until he giggled behind his hand.

"I'd considered Ebony, Sooty, and Charcoal, but...how did you settle on Sebastian?" John couldn't stop his snickers as the cat returned his attention to the fish. Apparently, the food was more important than the new name. Lin smiled as he fingered through John's soft hair, unable to feel offended when he was so at ease. It was still such a new thing to behold, and he cherished it every day. Not so long ago, John had been stiff and awkward in his presence. He'd hated their time together, afraid and resentful of his attention.

"It's just what I thought when I looked at his face." Lin seemed almost as unconcerned as the cat. Fine, Sebastian. John looked at Sebastian as he finally licked off the plate. "I'll also be taking you with me for now...I don't want you to be alone until we're sure you won't have another...vision." John made no argument as he nodded his agreement. Usually, he might accuse Lin of being clingy, but it had been hard enough the first time, lying alone and vulnerable on the pavement. He didn't want to risk that again. The sooner Gene helps me figure this out, the better. "How do you feel?"

"Um...better, but still a little weak." He wasn't sure he'd be able to walk too far yet. His legs were still trembling, but that could also have been a lack of food. He hadn't eaten since that morning and it was probably heading towards late afternoon. He didn't feel hungry, but he knew his body needed food. Lin nodded his understanding, well aware of John's feelings through their bond. He was pleased he'd calmed down, at least.

"Wait here. I'll bring you some food." John nodded as Lin headed through to the kitchen and occupied himself with stroking Sebastian's scruffy fur. Having eaten his small meal, Sebastian was happy to curl up in a ball on his chest and snooze. It didn't take long for Lin to return with a bowl of hearty soup and some sliced bread. "There wasn't much in your cupboards, but I did find a tin of soup." John knew the smell. It was one of the few food items he had from home. His parents sent occasional care packages, and he often saved what he could for a rainy day. This certainly counted as one. It was nice to have the comfort of home alongside Lin's caring presence.

"This is plenty, thank you." John slowly spooned some of the thick beef and vegetable soup into his mouth. You couldn't buy food like that in Japan. Their soup was often much thinner, like watery broth. Lin watched over him for a few moments before turning his attention to the small room. While John was busy eating, it made sense to pack a few things ready to leave. It would save John doing it himself. He wanted him to rest as much as possible.

"What would you like to bring?" He actually had a healthy stock of clothes at his apartment already. It made little sense to continuously carry everything back and forth. He had his own towels, toothbrush, and face flannel stored in Lin's bathroom. A stock of fresh underwear, socks, tops, jeans and pyjamas were stored in the heat room. There were even a few framed photos he left on the bedside table in the heat room. John hummed thoughtfully as Lin grabbed his empty duffel bag from the wardrobe. There wasn't much he could think of.

"I might need an extra set of jeans and a couple of hoodies..." It had been a few weeks since he'd finally given in and started leaving things at Lin's house. Lin had wisely pointed out that it made little sense to carry everything back and forth every month, and they'd been taken off guard a couple of times. Keeping a stock of clothes over there meant he'd always have something ready to wear, and he could stop by anytime. John had almost blushed at the suggestion of a permanent invitation. Being intimate and mated was still incredibly new. He'd never even dated anyone before Lin. Our whole relationship has gone somewhat...backwards...He watched as Lin bent over to get a set of jeans from his bottom draw, noting the way he stiffened as he sensed his attention. He looked away quickly as Lin straightened up.

"It's getting so hot, you might not even need the hoodies," Lin murmured as he packed them in the bag. That much was certainly true. It wouldn't surprise him if he had heat stroke from passing out in the sun like that, either. I probably do have a little heat stroke...He blinked as a large hand came to rest on his forehead, checking his temperature. "You're a little hot..." John could feel it. He was also a little sleepy after the modest meal. Lin smiled softly as he set the tray aside and climbed on the bed beside him. "You should rest a little longer before we head out."

"Are you sure? It must be getting late..."

"It's not that late. Rest awhile." It was hard to refuse when Lin had already settled down at his side, apparently intending to stay and watch over him as he slept. John shuffled lower on the bed, doing his best not to unsettle Sebastian too much. Lin wasted no time in looping an arm over his waist, stroking small circles on his hip as he closed his eyes.